The newly deployed General Officer Commanding(GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, has pledged to deploy his expertise to curb insecurity across Abia and the South-East Geo-political zone.
Maj. Gen. Fadairo who doubles as the Commander of South East Joint Task Force Operation Udoka, gave the assurance on Thursday during his tour of duty in Abia State where he paid a visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The GOC, who had previously served in Abia State as a young officer, said that he would utilise his wealth of experience to support the renewed drive against insecurity in the State and the South East Geopolitical Zone.
He called for stronger synergy among Security Agencies and active involvement of Communities in security efforts.
Maj Gen Fadairo insisted that tackling crime must be a shared responsibility and urged Communities to work closely with Security Agencies to end crime and all forms of criminality in the State and the South East region in general.
He stressed that security requires a collective approach adding that no criminal element could outsmart a united security architecture strengthened by public cooperation and inter-agency synergy.
“We must also talk about the Communities coming forth to assist the Security Agencies. It is not a one-way thing, it’s a whole society approach.
“The Communities must get involved in the security architecture of the States also and with this, I think criminality in Abia State will be a thing of the past”, the Army Chief assured.
The GOC 82 Division said that the Army was already re-strategising it’s security architecture for the State and the whole of the Southeast so as to deliver better results.
He thanked Governor Otti for his administration’s support to Security Agencies and promised improved performance under his leadership.
Earlier, Governor Otti assured the GOC of full cooperation and pledged sustained investments to secure the State and protect it’s residents.
The Governor said that his administration constantly reviews its security architecture and adjusts strategies to ensure residents could live and work safely.
“We want to use this opportunity to welcome you to Abia, this is your first official visit to Abia after your resumption a few weeks ago. We also want to welcome you and assure you that just like you know, we take security very seriously here in Abia.
“From time to time, we hold our Security Council meeting where everybody who is involved in security, one way or the other, attends, gives reports, and we sit down to look at the security architecture of the state. If anything needs to be rejigged, we rejig it.
“We want to assure you that you will get the maximum cooperation and support from this state. We spare no efforts in ensuring that our people are secure”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor noted that no development effort succeeds without security, adding that his administration prioritises security to attract investment and economic growth.
He stated that the GOC was free to inspect all military formations in the State and requested early communication on any additional support needed from the State Government.
